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3 Firefighters Injured in Fire at Animal Feed Plant

The SealesWinslow plant in Ashburton, New Zealand. Image courtesy of Google Maps

Three firefighters were injured while fighting a large structural fire at a SealesWinslow animal feed plant in Ashburton, New Zealand, numerous local news organizations reported. A shed used for processing was destroyed in the blaze.

More than 50 fire personnel responded to the scene after receiving a report of a fire at the site at about 7:40 p.m., combatting the fire for about four hours, the Otago Daily Timesreported. About a dozen firefighters remained at the site putting out hot spots 12 hours after the flames were first called in.

New Zealand website Newshub reported that the blaze was one of the largest structural fires experienced in the community over the past several years.

Officer Charlie Kelland told the Ashburton Guardian that the incident was “one of the biggest fires we’ve seen.”

The 5000-sq-m plant manufactures palletized feed and molasses in blocks for cattle and sheep. A large shed used for processing received significant damages. Three firefighters received non-life-threatening burns and were transported to an area hospital

The cause of the fire remains unclear. Local media reported that investigators were likely to respond to the scene on Tuesday.